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 Trace Elements From Richard Grefe, executive director, American Institute of Graphic Arts: Thank you for the thoughtful review of our new publication Trace: AIGA Journal of Design ("Fetish Object," The Metropolis Observed, June 2001). We too are excited about its form, content, and attitude. We were a bit puzzled, however, by your reviewer's characterization of AIGA as an organization. If only we could rely on what Ken Coupland suggests is some mysterious, dark, and compelling grip on designers to drive membership ("it's a my-way-or-the-highway proposition for most graphic designers"), we could have taken the pedal off the metal and shifted to cruise control over the past six years. Instead, in an era of proliferating design competitions, publications, and conferences, we have been delighted and challenged to find new ways to serve the needs of an emerging generation of designers more accustomed to a Linux mentality of unfettered access than to closed societies of preemptive power. We have doubled our membership by being open to people, design disciplines, and access by nonmembers. We have been stimulating in the content we develop, recognizing excellence in proven design practices as well as innovation in new disciplines. And we have been authoritative only in standing firmly for principles of creative and professional imagination and integrity. Trace is a manifestation of a progressive and responsive institution (admittedly haunted by preconceptions from a different era). It is not an accomplishment in spite of the institution, as your article might suggest. Incidentally, Metropolis has been looking great lately and sporting a wonderful new vitality. A Shaggy Dog Story From Allan S. Kushen, West Orange, New Jersey: In 1954 my late wife and I were furnishing our first New York apartment. Ignorant of modern design, we were advised by an architect friend to visit Knoll and Herman Miller. On entering the Knoll showroom at 575 Madison Avenue, we were transported to a world of spare elegance theretofore unknown to us. Artfully placed decorative objects enhanced the clean lines of the furniture. We were especially taken with the thick shag accent rug prominently placed in the center of the room--until it sneezed. Only now--47 years later--do I know from your piece on Florence Knoll ("Shu U.," July 2001) the name of that beautiful Old English Sheep Dog. By the way, Florence Knoll herself sold us our first Womb chair. Metropolis welcomes letters to the editor. They can be sent to Dialogue, Metropolis, 61 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010 or e-mailed to edit@metropolismag.com or talk2us@metropolismag.com. All letters are subject to editing. |
